How to Change Shares on Companies House

When running a limited company in the UK, you may need to change your company’s share structure at some point. This could involve issuing new shares, transferring existing shares, or restructuring share classes. While some changes happen internally, others must be reported to Companies House to ensure the public record is accurate and up to date.

Whether you are restructuring your share capital, onboarding a new investor, or planning for future growth, updating your shareholding correctly is essential. Our limited company accountants offer expert support throughout the entire process, from drafting board resolutions and preparing SH01 forms to filing updated confirmation statements with Companies House. We ensure all changes are documented properly, your statutory registers are updated, and the public record reflects the true picture of your company. With our guidance, you can make confident decisions about your share structure while staying fully compliant.

In this guide, we explain how to change shares in a UK company, what forms to file with Companies House, and how to stay compliant throughout the process.

What Does Changing Shares Mean?

Changing shares can refer to several different actions, such as:

• Issuing new shares to existing or new shareholders

• Transferring shares from one shareholder to another

• Creating new share classes with different rights

• Reducing or cancelling share capital

• Converting one class of shares to another

Each type of change may involve different procedures and filing requirements, so it is important to follow the correct steps.

Step 1: Review Your Articles of Association

Before making any changes, check your company’s articles of association and shareholder agreements. These documents set out the rules around issuing or transferring shares. You may need approval from the board or shareholders before proceeding.

Make sure any changes are within your company’s authorised share capital and follow the required authorisation procedures, such as board resolutions or written shareholder approval.

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Step 2: Hold a Board Meeting or Pass a Written Resolution

If your company is issuing new shares or restructuring share capital, you will usually need to:

• Hold a board meeting to approve the change

• Pass a resolution to authorise the issue or restructuring

• Record the decision in your company’s meeting minutes

This internal documentation should be kept on file and may be requested in the future.

Step 3: Update Your Statutory Registers

After issuing or transferring shares, update the company’s Register of Members and, if applicable, the Register of Share Allotments and Register of Share Transfers.

These records are legally required and form part of your company’s statutory books. They must reflect the correct shareholder names and shareholdings at all times.

Step 4: Notify Companies House

To formally report changes to Companies House, you may need to file the following:

• Form SH01 for issuing new shares

• Form SH02 for reducing share capital

• Updated statement of capital if the total share capital has changed

• Confirmation Statement to reflect updated shareholder information

The SH01 form must be filed within 30 days of the share issue and must include:

• Company number

• Date of allotment

• Number and type of shares issued

• Nominal value and consideration paid

You can file these forms online through Companies House WebFiling or submit paper forms by post.

Step 5: Update the Confirmation Statement

Companies House does not require a separate form for share transfers, but you must update the list of shareholders in your next Confirmation Statement.

You can wait until your annual due date or submit an early Confirmation Statement if you want the public record updated sooner. This filing will show the names of new shareholders and their updated shareholdings.

Find out more about how to change shareholders on Companies House.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to file form SH01 within 30 days of issuing new shares

• Forgetting to update the Register of Members

• Assuming Companies House automatically knows about share transfers

• Not checking whether a shareholders’ agreement restricts certain changes

• Filing an incorrect statement of capital

If in doubt, speak to an accountant or legal adviser before making changes.

Final Thoughts

Changing shares in a limited company is perfectly normal as your business grows, brings on investors, or restructures its ownership. By following the right procedures and filing the required forms with Companies House, you can keep your company compliant and your shareholder records accurate.

Whether you are issuing new shares or recording a simple transfer, it is essential to get the paperwork right to avoid delays, penalties or disputes.

For smaller companies, especially those managed by a single director or a small team, changing shares might seem daunting—but it does not have to be. Our small company accountant service is built specifically for micro-businesses that need practical, affordable help with Companies House filings and shareholder updates. Whether you are transferring shares to a family member, issuing new shares to support a business loan, or simply tidying up your company records, we will handle the technicalities and paperwork so you can focus on running your business.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.